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David Schimmelpenninck was supposed to return after an almost 3-year absence

Brock University has announced a class that was to be taught by David Schimmelpenninck has been cancelled. (CBC )

Brock University has cancelled a history course that was to be taught by a professor who was disciplined following a sexual harassment investigation.

David Schimmelpenninck was scheduled to teach a non-compulsory second-year course during the Winter 2019 term following an almost three-year absence from the classroom. The absence was a result of discipline following an investigation into sexual harassment, the university confirmed to CBC News.

The university conducted an investigation into the matter and hired a lawyer.

The lawyer's investigation found that the incident "involved an unwelcome sexual advance, inappropriate and unwelcome physical touching, comments of a sexual nature, [and] a provocative comment attempting to arrange ongoing intimacy."

Professor regrets 'serious' mistakes

Schimmelpenninck sent a statement to CBC News saying he regretted his past behaviour.

"If I could undo it, and the harm I caused, I absolutely would," he wrote. "I made serious mistakes and the university has disciplined me for them. I know that some people will never accept me back at the school."

He also told CBC News he had a "drinking problem" for a long time but had gotten help and stopped drinking completely.

"Over the past three years, I have worked very hard to address my problems and done everything the university has asked of me."

Schimmelpenninck was set to return after an almost three-year absence following a sexual harassment investigation before his class was cancelled. (Brock University website)

Schimmelpenninck was set to begin teaching again after a Dec. 14 decision from an arbitrator who concluded the professor should be permitted to return to the classroom, "pursuant to the university's collective agreement with its faculty association," the university's administration said in a statement emailed to CBC on Jan. 3.

The email aslo said the professor has agreed to a set of conditions "including completing coaching for respectful workplace practices."

Rallies and petition call for prof to resign

A rally against Schimmelpenninck's return is scheduled to take place at the university Thursday afternoon.

Students have also issued a list of demands to the university and a petition calling for Schimmelpenninck to resign immediately has been signed by more than 1,000 people.

"For the safety of all students, faculty and staff, it is crucial that Schimmelpenninck immediately resign from Brock University," it reads. "We will not let individuals who have a history of committing sexual violence get away with their actions."

In the statement it released Wednesday the university said it respects students and individuals who had expressed their views about Schimmelpenninck's return to teaching in a "constructive and thoughtful manner."